Photo: User:Darwinek (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Nilüfer district of Bursa: Cumalıkızık Village, Bursa Botanical Park and Hüdavendigar Park. Plan your trip to Nilüfer with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Nilüfer is a district of Bursa Province and takes its name from the Nilüfer Stream. Lying 10 km west of Bursa city, Nilüfer was awarded the European Diploma by the Council of Europe in 2016.
As a recently developed area, Nilüfer has the fastest population growth rate of any settlement in Bursa. The district’s population grew by 13% a year between 1990 and 2000.
Nilüfer, which has undergone intensive industrialisation in recent years, is home to the Bursa Organised Industrial Zone. Factories of some of Bursa’s largest industrial firms, including Oyak Renault, Bosch, Sifaş, Filament and Polylen, are located in the district.
Despite its rapid urban development, the district still grows fruits such as peaches, mulberries, walnuts, apples, plums, grapes, cherries and pears.
In June 2016, Nilüfer received the European Diploma from the Council of Europe. The main campus of Uludağ University lies within Nilüfer’s borders. The Nilüfer Akkılıç Library in the Basın Kültür Palace holds around 15,000 books. Misi was declared an urban conservation area in 1989.
Last updated:
Photo: User:Darwinek (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Cumalıkızık, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the rare settlements that preserves 700-year-old Ottoman village architecture. It is known for its colourful timber houses, narrow cobbled streets and traditional way of life.
View on map
Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Gölyazı, on a peninsula in Lake Uluabat, houses the remains of the ancient city of Apollonia. Its stone houses, plane trees and lake views give it a romantic atmosphere.
View on mapVillage with a long history, connected to Nilüfer as Gümüştepe neighbourhood.
View on mapBridge over one of the branches of the Nilüfer Stream, commissioned by Selçuk Hatun.
View on map
Photo: Onurkayabasi (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Botanical Park, set on an area of 400,000 m², is one of the largest botanical gardens in Türkiye. It is visited in all four seasons for its Japanese garden, rose garden, pond and walking trails.
View on map
Photo: HülyaYılmaz7 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Park stretching along the banks of the Nilüfer Stream. With running and cycling trails, children's play areas and cafés, it is one of Bursa's largest city parks.
View on mapGallery hosting contemporary art exhibitions, presenting works by Turkish and foreign artists. Painting, sculpture and photography exhibitions are held throughout the year.
View on mapWhile you are in Nilüfer, you can also see the highlights of Bursa province. These places are in other districts.
Traditional village breakfast served in Cumalıkızık village, consisting of homemade jams, fresh butter, village cheese, gözleme and local herbs. It attracts thousands of visitors at weekends.
The internationally famous Bursa dish İskender kebap, served by arranging thinly sliced döner meat on pide bread with buttery tomato sauce and yoghurt.
Prepared from chestnuts gathered on the foothills of Uludağ, chestnut candy is one of Bursa's best-known sweets. Cooked in sugar syrup, it acquires a soft consistency.
Cumalıkızık was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 and carries village life from the founding period of the Ottoman Empire into the present day. 270 historic houses are protected.
The Nilüfer Theatre Festival, held every year, brings together national and international theatre companies. It is one of the most important events in Nilüfer's cultural and artistic life.
Nilüfer is Bursa's most developed and modern district. Automotive supply industry, textiles and technology sectors form the basis of the district's economy. Part of the Bursa Organised Industrial Zone lies within Nilüfer's borders. Growing quickly with its university campuses, shopping centres and housing projects, the district is also strong in the service sector.
Nilüfer lies to the west of Bursa city centre. It is connected by Bursa metro and tram lines. City bus services run at frequent intervals. Mudanya Port is 20 km away and Bursa Yenişehir Airport is 75 km away.
The 8 leading sights in Nilüfer are: Cumalıkızık Village, Bursa Botanical Park, Hüdavendigar Park, Nilüfer Municipality Art Gallery, Gölyazı Village, Mihraplı Park, Misi Village and Mihraplı Bridge.
Cumalıkızık Breakfast, İskender Kebap and Chestnut Candy are the outstanding flavours on Nilüfer's tables.
Nilüfer is known for Cumalıkızık Jams and UNESCO World Heritage: Cumalıkızık. Homemade jams produced in Cumalıkızık village, made from natural fruits such as mulberry, fig, rose and quince. The jams sold in village markets are the souvenirs visitors buy most often.
Nilüfer lies to the west of Bursa city centre. It is connected by Bursa metro and tram lines. City bus services run at frequent intervals. Mudanya Port is 20 km away and Bursa Yenişehir Airport is 75 km away.
Suggested length of visit: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.